Matt Minerva Jr., wins 72nd WGA Junior title
ELMSFORD, N.Y. (June 20, 2017) – Matt Minerva Jr. of Hudson National defeated James McHugh of Rye Golf Club on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff to take home the 72nd WGA Junior Championship on Tuesday at Knollwood Country Club. Jud Langille of Trump National - Westchester also claimed a title, finishing atop the leaderboard in the 48th WGA Boys Championship.
Related: Results
Holding the tournament in conjunction with qualifying for the 100th Met Junior Championship sponsored by MetLife and 49th MGA/MetLife Boys Championship SQR for the first time, players were also able to qualify for the junior or boys event if eligible.
The Junior Championship was a battle throughout the day as McHugh and Minerva Jr., were paired together, with McHugh holding a one-shot edge at the turn with a 1-over 37. McHugh extended his lead to two after holing out for eagle on the 370-yard par-four 10th, while Minerva carded a birdie. Though McHugh's lead grew to four Minerva Jr., turned it on with a sudden charge as he birdied the next three holes. On the finishing hole, a par for Minerva Jr., to a bogey for McHugh left the pair with matching 1-under 70s for the day.
The playoff began on the 522-yard par-five 5th hole, with both carding birdies. As the playoff continued, Minerva Jr., stuck his approach shot within 12 feet on the par-four 4th hole while McHugh's approach came up short of the green after losing his drive to the right. McHugh could not convert the up-and-down, while Minerva Jr., safely two-putted to secure the championship.
Daniel Berkson of Brae Burn and Ben Carpenter of the Country Club of Darien tied for third at 2-over 73.
In the Boys Championship, Langille (pictured) started his round strong with birdies on two of his first five holes en route to turning in 1-under 35. Langille double bogeyed the 370-yard par-four 10th but held steady the next four holes with pars. Despite making back-to-back double bogeys on Nos. 15 and 16, Langille bounced back quickly and closed strongly, carding birdies on Nos. 17 and 18 to secure the title with a 2-over 74. Matt Simon of Wykagyl finished two shots back.
Tying for third at 8-over 79 were Will Tormey of Siwanoy and Charlie Hite of Sleepy Hollow.
Knollwood Country Club played to a par 71 at 6,303 yards on a sunny and slightly breezy day. The championships were held in conjunction with qualifying for the 100th Met Junior Championship sponsored by MetLife and the 49th MGA/MetLife Boys Championship. If eligible, competitors were also able to qualify for these upcoming events.